Kamara Shankle

Chef Kamara Shankle discovered his calling in the kitchen in 2021, though his path to becoming a chef was anything but conventional. Originally hired as a dishwasher, he was quickly recognized for his natural talent and drive and placed on the line — a pivotal moment that launched his culinary journey.
A lifelong food lover, Kamara’s passion for cooking began in childhood but was briefly set aside as he pursued other creative interests, including music. It wasn’t until he joined the team at 39 Rue de Jean that his culinary fire was fully reignited. Mentored by his Sous Chef, Ashtin Stroud and his Executive Chef, Letha McClary, and encouraged by his fiancé, Kamara embraced the craft with determination and a relentless desire to excel. Despite never attending culinary school, his career is a testament to raw talent, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Kamara draws inspiration from the global flavors that shaped him growing up in New York, with a deep appreciation for Asian, French, and Italian cuisines — influences that shine through in his cooking. Guided by a personal food philosophy to “cook with your soul so guests can feel what you make,” he believes every dish should convey passion, purpose, and story from the first bite to the last.
What excites Kamara most about Charleston’s evolving culinary landscape is its growing diversity — a vibrant mix of cultures and flavors that reminds him of home and fuels his creativity. While music and travel remain close to his heart, he knows he has found his true purpose in the kitchen and can’t imagine doing anything else.